This is a KiCad project for a microphone activator inspired by the Cloudlifter CL-1.

Disclaimer

I do not have any affiliation with Cloud Microphones, the manufacturer of the Cloudlifter CL-1. This project is being published for entertainment/educational purposes.

• Assumption of Risk: Users acknowledge using the hardware project at their own risk.
• No Warranty: The Author (MostlyBuilds) provides the project "as-is" without any warranties.
• Limitation of Liability: The Author is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of this hardware project.

Device Info

This device is a phantom powered microphone preamp, commonly called a microphone activator. Devices like this are frequently used to boost quiet microphones before the signal gets to an audio interface.

Circuit Info

This circuit uses two LSK389C JFETs as a two-stage amplifier in what is referred to as the cascode configuration. All of the components are of the SMT variety, with the resistors and capacitors in the 1206 package size.

For more details regarding the specific parts used, please refer to the YouTube series. Each video in the series contains links in the description for parts and tools that are relevant to the video.

YouTube Series

This project was created as part of a YouTube series that walks through the teardown of a real CL-1, and the process of creating the circuit and PCB in KiCad.

1. Cloudlifter CL-1 Teardown | Mic Activator Series Video 1
2. Building The Cloudlifter CL-1 Circuit in KiCAD | Mic Activator Series Video 2
3. Building a Cloudlifter CL-1 Inspired PCB in KiCAD | Mic Activator Series Video 3
4. Building a Custom Cloudlifter CL-1 | Mic Activator Series Video 4